*~Sharing with you a carefully curated recommended reading list full of old favorites and new wonders. Get your library lists/ bookshelf wish-lists ready to go, and check out a sneak peek of these Haunted Halloween Reads~*

Ghost, Ghouls, and Goblins~ Oh Mai! Hopefully Halloween can return to somewhat normal this year with vaccinations on the rise. After all, the spirit of Halloween lives through the trick-or-treating under the glow of street-lamps, the families bustling in costumes, and the cramming of candy wrappers in your pockets and chomping of caramels and candy corn.

The best way to get pumped for the *Spooky* Season?? Read all of the *Haunted Halloween* books, of course! Books are a thrilling way to transport you and your littles to haunted houses, moonlit treks through cornfields, and monster-filled escapades this Halloween season!

This Halloween, learn *How to Make Friends with a Ghost* and *How to Catch a Monster,* discover the secrets of witches and brew magical potions, romp and roll through Halloween night with Frankenstein and the Goons, encounter shy ghosts, grumpy ghosts, and even little ghosts made out of quilts (instead of a sheet!), and*beware* as you enter the cunning spider’s lair and the monster house

For all of these spooky reading adventures and more, check out MaiStoryBook’s themed Children’s Book collection: *Haunted Halloween Reads.* I’ve sorted these children’s books into several categories: Creepy Monsters, Creatures, and Ghosts ; Wicked Witches; Pumpkins Galore; Haunted Houses ; and Bring on the Spook! This Halloween, let’s raise a new generation of readers!

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Recommended Reading List: Haunted Halloween Reads

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Creepy Monsters, Creatures, and Ghosts

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Mason, Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler // The little ghost who was a quilt doesn’t know why he is a quilt~ after all, all of his friends and even his parents are sheet-ghosts. *Why can’t be be just one piece of fabric instead of a bunch of pieces sewn together?* Too heavy and hot to zoom and whirl around with his friends, Little Ghost feels glum and left out. Until One Halloween night, Little Ghost meets a little friend who shows him just how special being different truly is. I love how the illustrations are just the right balance of spook and charm.

How to Make Friends with a Ghost by Rebecca Green // This ghostly guide, with input from Dr. Phantoneous Spookel, the leading ghost expert himself, will tell you everything you need to know about to *How to Make Friends with a Ghost.* From what to feed you ghost and what activities to do together, to how to et your ghost ready for bed and the best hiding spots for a ghost~ this detailed book will teach you what you need to know to take care of and treat your new friend right! Completely reversing the narrative of ghosts as creepy and scary, this Halloween read will have children hoping to be found by a ghost and longing for a ghost friend of their very own! Check out MaiStoryBook’s *Interactive Read Aloud Video* here.

Gustavo the Shy Ghost by Falvia Z. Drago // Gustavo is good at doing ghostly things~ he float through walls, he can glow in the dark, and can even make objects fly! What he loves most of all is making music on his violin! But when it comes to making new friends~ Gustavo is a shy ghost. As the Day of the Dead approaches, Gustavo is dismayed that he may have to celebrate it alone… Will sharing what he loves most help others notice him this holiday season? The illustrations in this one are especially vibrant, and the festive, colorful characters will entice young readers!

Sir Simon by Cale Atkinson // It’s hard work haunting a house! There are sounds to make, objects to move, and attic stomping to be done. And it’s especially hard work when there’s a *Kid* living in the house… In this unique Spooky tale of friendship~ a ghost and a child learn that they don’t have to do the exact same things to be friends. Search for the similarities within your differences~ what makes you unique makes the friendship even more exciting!

Simon and Chester: Super Sleepover by Cale Atkinson // This one is technically a graphic novel~ but picture based so I’ll slip it in the picture book category! Plus, this new graphic novel series is the follow-up to *Sir Simon*~ where Chester and Simon’s adventures continue. This time, Chester needs to help Simon pass his Haunting Exam, and Simon needs to help Chester master the art of the *sleepover.* Will they conquer their challenges?

Beast Feast by Emma Yarlett // Beast has found a tasty dinner and he has invited all of his friends to come join him for a meal. Unfortunately, dinner is a Child who doesn’t want to be eaten…Is there a way Dinner can convince the monster to change his mind and pick a new main dish? This interactive read comes with hilarious letters to open! a very fun Halloween mail-post book.

How I Met My Monster by Amanda Knoll // How did Ethan meet his monster? One night, when Ethan reaches under his bed for a toy truck, he finds this note instead: “Monsters! Meet here for final test.” He is sure it can’t be real, but later that night, he witnesses a whole colorful parade of monsters arriving to compete to be his monster! This read has the perfect balance of spooks and giggles and monster fun.

Looking for a Jumbie by Tracey Baptiste // Join Naya for a romp through a forest filled with creatures from Caribbean folklore. Naya is on the hunt for jumbles, which her Mama say exist only in stories~ but Naya is determined to find out for herself! She isn’t too sure exactly what a jumbie looks like, but knows they can have  big mouths, thick fur, glowing skin, or sharp teeth… kind of like the new friends she’s making on her adventure through the forest. A fun romping read-aloud!

The Ugliest Monster in the World by Luis Amavisca // Who is the ugliest monster in the world? Each monster claims to be the ugliest, but perhaps this magic mirror on the wall can tell them who is the ugliest of them all.

Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth Cummins // What happens when Baby Dracula and a Penguin switch places at the zoo? Penguin joins the vampire family as they adventure around the zoo, while Baby Dracula lives life as a penguin for a day! A sweet story of mistaken identity and adventure.

Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds // Amara loves bats! But what happens when all of the bat’s roosting trees are being cut down? Can Amara mobilize her community to save her favorite creatures? Environmental activism gets a nocturnal, spooky twist in this charming picture book about a young girl and her mission to save the bats!

Pig the Monster by Aaron Blabey // Join Pig the Pug, the world’s greediest dog, on a Halloween adventure! All Pig wants is Treats, Treats, Treats this Halloween, and he’ll stop at nothing to get them all! Prepare for some terrible tricks form this candy-fuels glutton! A hilarious, rhyming read.

If You Ever Meet a Skeleton by Rebecca Evans // Are skeletons as creepy as we think? What do skeletons really want? When a group of trick-or-treaters encounter a skeleton, they try to run away as fast as they can! But maybe this skeleton is just looking for a friends… A quirky read about these bags of bones we call skeletons.

Poultrygeist by Eric Geron // Why did the chicken cross the road? Well, what if he never made it to the other side… Or rather, he did make it to the *other side,* just not the other side of the road… A spooky, hilarious twist on the classic chicken joke.

Monsters 101 by Cale Atkinson // Everything you ever wanted and ever needed to know about Monsters is in this book. For monster fanatics, and even non-monster-fanatics (but after reading this book~ you’ll be a monster fanatic) the hilarious descriptions, detailed information, and bright and informational graphics will entertain and educate you as you learn all about monsters. PSA: monsters are much more than scary, ugly creatures that hide under your bed!

If Your Monster Won’t Go to Bed by Denise Vega, Illustrated by Zachariah Ohora // What do you do when your monster won’t go to bed? Maybe your little one needs a nice warm bath? Well, if you have a monster, try giving them an *ice-cold, shiver-inducing bath to relax him~ and make sure to scrub with mud soap!* Maybe your little one needs a nice, sweet bedtime story before bed? Well, if you have a monster, try reading them a scary story (the scarier the better!) Quirky illustrations combine with an upbeat text create a funny book full of heart!

How to Catch a Monster by Adam Wallace, Illustrated by Andy Elkerton // Before going to bed, there’s one more task our heroine must complete. Decked in ninja attire and armed with newfound courage, this little ninja ventures into one of the most dangerous realms known to young children: the closet *at night.* She’s out to catch a monster, and won’t rest until she has! Another fun, rhyming read aloud, this book is a great read for children who’ve ever been frightened of monsters under the bed or in their closet. .

Frankenstein Doesn’t Wear Earmuffs by John Loren // This little trick-or-treater has been planning the *Best* Frakenstein costume- with face paint, hand-crafted accessories, and the perfect outfit! He’s ready for a night of romp and fun, if he can make it out the door that is…  It’s stormy night, and his concerned parents bundle him up with extra warm and cozy additions to his costume~ rain boots, jackets, scarfs, even Earmuffs! But Frankenstein definitely does *not* wear earmuffs!   The illustrations in this book are *everything*! So creatively done~ blending imagination with reality to give readers a glimpse into the little boy’s world of wonder and magic on Halloween night.

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey, Illustrated by Julia Sarda // Meet the woman behind one of the greatest novels~ and most famous monsters of all time. Inspired by a nightmare about a monster come to life that she has that very night, Mary writes down the terrifying dream and a year and a half later, her tale is published: Frankenstein. This is an inspiring read for any aspiring writer as it examines the artistic inspiration of creating work, and empowers young women to pursue their dreams and careers despite obstacles and sexism.

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Goodnight Goon + We’re Going on a Goon Hunt by Michael Rex // A delightfully spooky twist on the classic “Goodnight Moon,” little readers (and older readers too, even adults) will guffaw over the zombies, monsters, and ghouls popping from the pages in this terrifying bedroom. Grimy details oozing with slime will fascinate little eyes, and even older kids will be entertained by the haunted vibe and ghastly, cartoon-illustrations! // In “We’re Going on a Goon Hunt,” prepare to jaunt through a twisted tangled pumpkin patch, murky bubbling swamp, and foggy crumbling graveyard on your Goon Hunt! Are you brave enough? What happens when you finally find the goons!? This one is full of giggles and shivers!

The Spider and the Fly by Mary Hewitt, Illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi // This is a deliciously dark tale, perfect for an ominous read aloud. *Spoiler Alert: There’s no happy ending in this one* ( at least, I supposed that depends on whose perspective your’re taking: Happy ending for the spider / Not so happy ending for the fly…) In a tale that cautions against those who use overtly-sweet-words to disguise not-so-sweet intentions, readers will be beckoned, along with Mrs. Fly, to enter the Spider’s parlor.

The Ninja Club Sleepover by Laura Gehl, Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley // Willa and her friends love dressing up as ninjas! Ninjas are brave and aren’t afraid of anything! But Willa is hiding something else under her mask…She is actually a werewolf! Worried how her friends will react, Willa hides the truth from them. Until one day, Val has a sleepover, and it’s on the night of a full moon! Will Willa’s secret be revealed? This monster and costume filled read explores facing your fears, embracing differences, and learning celebrate your true self!

Wicked Witches

Secrets of the Witch by Julie Legere and Elsa Whyte, Illustrated by Laura Perez // Part history, part spell book, this magical grimoire gives a fascinating insight into the lives and practices of witches throughout history and all over the world. Explore the symbols of witchcraft, discover how to use magic crystals and plants for spells, learn how to make your own talisman, uncover the meaning and history behind magical tools, and find out the truths of the Salem Witch Trials. This empowering guide for aspiring young witches is filled with striking illustrations and detailed accounts, lessons, spells, and symbology.

Seasons of the Witch by Matt Ralphs, Illustrated by Nuria Tamarit // This magical read transports readers back in time through history to discover the folklore of witches throughout history. A concoction of art, poetry, mythology, potions, spells, hexes, and magic from different cultures and religions around the world, this book examines evil sorcerers, Norse healers, Egyptian Priestesses, and other figures from history connected to witchcraft. A magical way to share different cultures with readers, the colorful illustration will captivate even the youngest of learners as they soak in the mysterious visuals and listen to the enchanting tales.

Twitchy Witchy Itch by Priscilla Tey // A nervous witch gets swept away with trying to tidy up before company comes. But as soon as her two guests walk in, Itch’s housekeeping comes unraveled. Little will delight as they see how Itch tames the fidgety, glitchy mess. A dazzling and amusing story about discovering what friendship really means!

There’s a Witch in Your Book by Tom Fletcher // A grumpy little witch has landed in your book and thrown a spell at you! If you can capture it, you can use your finger wand to make magic yourself in this interactive book~ but beware, your magical finger may be more powerful than you think. A delightfully spooky interactive read!

Merry Witchmas by Petrell Ozbay // Now this festive read could also fit in a Christmas roundup, but it’s still witch-y so I threw it in the mix! Ginger is a Halloween witch who adores the spooky season, but she also LOVES Christmas! But even with all of her good deeds and holiday spirit, she’s never received a letter from Santa…In fact, Santa doesn’t even believe in witches–until Ginger’s letter to him magically appears on his desk! With some holiday magic and good cheer, Ginger’s Christmas wishes just may come true this year!

Daniela the Pirate and the Witch Philomena by Sasanna Isern // When Daniela the pirate and her crew start to follow a treasure map, strange things begin to happen to them… Could they be the work of Philomena, the fearful witch from Spooky Island who can’t stand laughter and happiness? Full of magical and terrible spells, this is a riveting Halloween-pirate adventure!

Little Witch Hazel by Phoebe Wahl // Little Witch Hazel is a tiny witch who lives in the forest, helping creatures big and small. She’s a midwife, an intrepid explorer, a hard worker and a kind friend. This four- season volume celebrates nature, the seasons, and life with the sweetest little witch. Plus, the illustrations are just darling.

Boo Stew by Donna L. Washington // In this imaginative twist on “Goldilocks,” meet Curly Locks, a goodhearted girl who is an awful cook. When the Scares begin steering her dishes of food and terrorizing the village, Curly Locks uses her smarts and unique talents to help corral those Scares for good!

Lots of Cats by E. Dee Taylor // Margaret concocts a magical spell for friends and *Kazam!*~ Nine cat friends appear in her living room, ready to purr and play! The little witch adores her new companions, but soon realizes, even though nice cat friends can be oodles of fun, they can also be a lot of trouble… The lyrical text makes an excellent rhythmic read aloud, and coupled with adorable illustrations and a humorous narrative, this is a sweet Halloween read of friendship!

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Axel Scheffler // It’s a windy day for a witch on her broom~ especially for a witch on a broom without much room! As the wind pulls her belongings way down to the ground, the witch meets new friends, who have found what she’s lost. In return for her items, the animal friends ask to board her flying broom, and it isn’t too long before the whole broom goes *kaboom.* Into the clutches of a dragon the witch falls; can her animal friends save her, or is it all a lost cause??? The predictable, repetitive plot follows a pattern that kids will love to pick up on.  Check out MaiStoryBook’s Interactive Read Aloud Here.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling, Illustrated by Jim Kay // I had to add this illustrated edition of Harry Potter to this themed book collection. Of course, Harry Potter is not a specifically seasonal read~ it’s perfect for reading year round~ but with it’s magic, witchcraft and wizardry, and whole universe of spells and mythical beings, Halloween is the perfect holiday to feature it. The tiny details on the pages, even the ones without illustrations, enhance the element of magic as you read, further transporting you and your little ones into the wizarding world. It’s a reading experience like no other, where both your eyes and ears are bewitched!

Pumpkins Galore

Stumpkin by Lucy Ruth Cummins // All Stumpkin wants is to be picked from the storefront shelf, and be taken home to become a jack-o-lantern. But come Halloween night, when every other pumpkin has been picked, even the *gourd*, Stumpkin is still left on the shelves… what will become of Stumpkin on this festive night? Does no one want a stemless pumpkin? A charming Halloween read encouraging readers to love their shape and size, and be confident on who they are. Check out MaiStoryBook’s Interactive Read Aloud Video Here.

Pick a Pumpkin by Patricia Toht // Follow along in this delightful rhyming read with each step to picking the perfect pumpkin: from exploring the pumpkin patch and carting the perfect pumpkin home, to scooping out the insides and carving a face! Perfect read to hype up for the pumpkin patch and an evening of jack-o-lantern carving.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz // Celebrate Halloween with Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang! It’s Halloween night, which means costumes, trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples…and waiting for the Great Pumpkin. This festive classic got a revamp with an embossed cover and updated illustrations.

Pete the Cat: Five Little Pumpkins by James & Kimberly Dean // Join Pete for a Groovy rendition of the classic song “Five Little Pumpkins.” Littles will be singing and jamming along with Pete for some Halloween antics and sing-along fun.

Cookie Boo by Ruth Paul // This sweet, rhyming read is perfect for getting in the autumn/Halloween mood! A delightful read for both sweet-treat and Halloween lovers, join seven spooky cookies as they escape their tin and romp through the neighborhood~ playing their own mini tricks throughout Halloween night.  With Gingerbread Man vibes~ this not-so-spooky story time, with its lilting rhyme, minimal text, and full-spread Fall/Halloween scenes will entertain readers and transport them to an evening of Halloween adventure! 

Haunted Houses

Hardly Haunted by Jessie Sima // House has a problem. She wants a new family to come live in her, but it’s possible that she just might be a bit… haunted. Will she ever find a family? I love the onomatopoeia’s in this one! So much fun to read aloud and act out all the creaky sounds!

How to Haunt a House by Carolyn Crimi // Learn how to haunt a house with three little ghosties: Groana, Moana, and Shrieky. They are ready to pass their spook test, until they find a family that doesn’t spook too easily…Instead the family seems to love all the spook thrown this way! Will the ghosties be able to think outside the box? A cute twist on a Haunted House!

Illuminightmare by Lucy Brownridge // Use your three-color lens to explore 10 of the most haunted places in the world: use the green lens to see the location, the red lens to see remnants from its history and the blue lens to reveal the supernatural things that lurk behind the shadows. An incredible interactive read with hidden surprises!

The House of Madame M by Clotilde Perrin // Explore the sinister house of Madame M. With large-format, lift-the-flaps, littles will be thrilled to discover what lurks in the wardrobe, behind the door, and tucked under the furniture. A riveting, interactive way to explore a spooky home!

Bring on the Spook!

The Goonies: The Illustrated Storybook by Brooke Vitale // Looking for the perfect way to share this spooky read with your littles? Well, the Goonies are back! Travel back to Astoria with an all-new illustrated storybook retelling of the ’80s fan favorite, The Goonies. It’s the perfect late-night adventure filled booby traps, near-death experiences, pirate’s treasure, Sloth, and a heartwarming ending.

Strange But True: 10 of the world’s greatest mysteries explained by Kathryn Hulick // Explore ten of the world’s greatest unsolved mysteries including a UFO encounter, search for the lost city of Atlantis, tour a haunted house, discover the kraken’s true form, and more! Haunting illustrations set the mood for a spooky deep dive into these real life mysteries!

Where’s Waldo? Spooky Spotlight Search by Martin Handford // Readers can slide a spotlight searcher under a series of totally dark scenes, illuminating small sections and stealthily moving the light to seek out Waldo and his friends. A clever interactive read perfect for hours of bookish search-and-find fun.

Froggy’s Halloween by Jonathan London // Froggy tries to find just the right costume for Halloween and although his trick-or-treating does not go as he had planned, he manages to enjoy himself anyway. I love all the sound effects and Halloween shenanigans Froggy gets up too!

Hugo Sprouts and the Strange Case of the Beans by John Loren // Hugo P. Sprouts is a mad scientist, and he’s brewing the perfect concoction to help him grow from his quite small size. Nothing can go wrong! Or can it…

Spooky Sleuth and Solve by Ana Gallo // Creepy clues are hidden in every detail and clever twists put your wits to the test on every page! T Solving this suite of spooky puzzles takes keen observation, strong logic, and lots of creative thinking. Play solo or with friends. The perfect Halloween pastime as you wait for trick-or-treating hour!

A World Full of Spooky Stories by Angela McAllister // Feel your pulse race and your skin tingle as you turn the pages of this spine-chilling anthology of spooky stories from around the world. Gather round the fire pit with this collection for some Halloween fun!

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I hope you found some reading recommendations to add to your own seasonal shelves, next library haul, and to share with your own little ones. Check out this selection of Halloween Book-Inspired crafts to bring these stories to life:

*~Also, I’d love to  see and hear about your own Halloween/October Adventures you’ve been enjoying with your children, so please share your story times below in the comments – tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary  – or post on MaiStoryBook’s FaceBook page! You can also find me on TikTok for bookish fun!~*

Plus: Check Out MaiStoryBook YouTube for a Fall/Halloween Themed Interactive Read Aloud Video Playlist

~Until Next Time, Happy Reading~*

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